Well educated, she had traveled extensively by the time she met Marshall Field's retail executive Harry Selfridge in the late 1880s.

During World War I, she joined the Red Cross and operated part of their Dorset, England estate as a war-time convalescent hospital.

Her story was portrayed in the television series Mr Selfridge, where she is shown as the patient wife (played by Frances O'Connor) of the famous retailer during their early years in England.

The 1870 census shows that Rose, her mother Martha and her sister Anna each had inherited considerable wealth consisting of both property and money.

[8] Most of them survive fairly intact, but the Rosalie Inn and Cafe on the southwest corner of 57th and Harper was demolished; the restaurant was once known as the Café Red Roses.

The Selfridges also built an imposing mansion called Harrose Hall in mock Tudor style on Lake Geneva, complete with large greenhouses and extensive rose gardens.

However, after only two months he sold the store at a profit to Carson, Pirie and Co.[13] He then decided to retire and for the next two years pottered around his properties, mainly his mansion, Harrose Hall on Lake Geneva.

The 1911 UK census shows that the family lived in a very large house in Arlington Street London with eleven servants.

Rose attended numerous social functions, many with the English aristocracy, while she lived in London either accompanied by Harry or alone.

The Times in 1910 reported that "Viscount Bridport, the Duchess of Devonshire, Earl Howe, Lord Ornathwaite, Lady Russell and Mrs. Gordon Selfridge were among the many present yesterday at the musical and dramatic matinee given at the Criterion Theatre.

Their car was descending Kirkstone Pass when the brakes failed and it ran away, swerving finally from the road and plunging with great force into the side of a house.

Her daughters, Rosalie, Violette, and Beatrice, attended Miss Douglas's School in Queen's Gate and learned to dance and speak French.

It appears that Rose was very enthusiastic about her hospital, as the report states that "the Christmas gift of this American business man (Harry) to his wife was a perfectly equipped convalescent camp.

"[21] It was described in the following terms: The former cricket pavilion with thatched roof that must be over a century in age has been transformed into an office for the commandant and into a kitchen and cheerful dining room, in which the convalescent 'Sammies' take their meals.

Then there is a recreation hut provided with a gramophone, games, books, maps, writing material and other things to make the men who use it comfortable.

Lastly, there is another building known as the 'Medical Ward,' which provides quarters for the permanent American non-commissioned officer who is responsible for the discipline of the camp and which also houses the linen room and the men's bathroom.

[22] The first episode of the third series commences with the occasion of Rose's funeral, with Harry questioning how he is meant to continue without his beloved wife.